Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute on this important debate. The work of guidance counsellors in our schools is beyond reproach. Every student reacts to the pressures and stresses of the school environment in very different ways. I have spoken previously in the House on the importance of providing students with the support they need to deal with the challenges.

Deputy Flanagan should note that nobody, on any side of the House, cries crocodile tears when it comes to the issue of mental health. We are all united in our desire to reduce the level of suicide among young people and improve mental health.

Our education system is facing real challenges. We cannot introduce the savings we need to see under the EU-IMF agreement without achieving savings in education which will account for approximately 17% of all State spending this year. Our education system is already under significant pressure. Over the next six years, enrolment will increase by 70,000 pupils and we must be able to provide for them. One cannot discuss the resources available for education without acknowledging these pressures. In 2008, in response to these pressures the previous Government chose to make a blanket increase to the pupil-teacher ratio. This resulted in some schools having to curtail their subject choices to the detriment of students. By contrast, we have sought to give schools the flexibility to deliver. The Minister has maintained the pupil-teacher ratio and the overall number of special needs assistants and resource hours. The decision to remove the ex-quota provision of guidance teachers in post primary schools is not one I relish-----

See this speech in context